Causes

Risk Factors

Urethritis is more common in women. Other factors that may increase your chance of urethritis include:

Multiple sexual partners

Recent change in sexual partners

Unprotected sex (without use of a condom)

History of other STDs

Bacterial infection of other parts of the urinary tract (bladder, kidney, prostate)

Medications that lower resistance to bacterial infection

Having catheters or tubes placed in the bladder

Acidic foods

Spermicides

Symptoms

People with urethritis may not have symptoms, especially women. About half of men infected with
chlamydia
have no symptoms.

Urethritis may cause:

Pain and/or burning while urinating

Blood in the urine

Increase in urinary:

Frequency

Urgency

Itching, swelling, and/or tenderness in the groin

Pain during sex

Urethritis symptoms specific to men may include:

Discharge from the penis

Blood in the semen

Pain during ejaculation

Swollen and/or tender testicles

If left untreated, urethritis can spread and cause infection in other parts of the urinary tract such as the bladder, ureters, or kidneys.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. It will include a pelvic exam. Urethritis is usually diagnosed from its symptoms. Tests to confirm the diagnosis and identify the organism causing the condition may include:

Urethral swab for microscopic study or culture

Blood and urine tests

Specific tests for
gonorrhea,
chlamydia, or other STDs

Treatment

Urethritis is usually treated with medication. The type of medication will depend on the cause of the urethral infection:

Antibiotics—to treat urethritis caused by bacteria

Antiviral drugs—to treat urethritis caused by some viruses

Refraining from sexual activity recommended until 7 days after initiation of therapy.

If urethritis is caused by an STD, all sexual partners should be tested and treated.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of urethritis::

Practice safe sex by using condoms and barrier methods of contraception.

Urinate immediately after having sexual intercourse.

Tell all sexual partners who are infected or exposed so they may get treatment.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/urethritis-and-cervicitis.htm. Updated January 28, 2011. Accessed September 7, 2017.